Wheel-retraction apparatus and method for amphibious vehicle

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for retracting axle-driven wheels onboard an amphibious vehicle provides a retracting process by which the wheels of the vehicle may be moved from a land-support position, to a water-borne position wherein the wheels are substantially above the waterline of the vehicle when afloat. The wheels are axle-driven, with pivotable connections allowing the axles to guide the retracting process; steering connections are pivotably able to follow the process, and steering motion is self-cancelling in the retracted mode. Suitable compartments enclose and support the apparatus in all positions, and seals are provided at the axles to prevent water entering the vehicle interior. A variety of devices may be employed to actuate the apparatus, and also to provide suspension to the vehicle on land.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle, and particularly, anapparatus and method for retracting axle-driven wheels onboard suchvehicle.

2. Description of Prior Art

Numerous amphibious vehicles have been designed and manufactured; themajority of these leave the wheels in place when the vehicle iswater-borne, thereby limiting the speed of the vehicle through water.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,903,831 describes a vehicle having a retractablewheel-system to retract the wheels into cavities within the hull of thecraft. This mechanism does not draw the wheels to a position fully abovethe waterline when afloat, but instead uses a complex mechanism to pivotthe wheels to within the hull and to close a hatch over the opening ofthe wheel-cavities to reduce drag in the water. The pivoting apparatusof this design also of necessity requires chains as the drive-means;such chains require a higher degree of attention and maintenance thanmore dependable drive-axles, especially in the marine environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,584 discloses a pivoting mechanism which raises thewheels to a limited height where sliding panels may be employed to coverthe openings into the hull. Again, the wheels are not raised above thewaterline of the craft when afloat, and extra components and mechanismsare necessary to close the wheel-cavities in order to overcome the dragof the wheels in the water.

Consequently the need exists for an improved apparatus which willretract axle-driven wheels onboard an amphibious vehicle whereby the donot directly contact water while the vehicle is normally afloat, withoutneed for covers or sliding panels to render them unobtrusive.

Accordingly it is the object of this invention to overcome thedisadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide the public with auseful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a broad aspect, the invention may be said to consist in an amphibiousvehicle intended for land and water service, comprising: a body, being abuoyant vessel, containing a motor, this being driveably connected todrive outputs, these connected to preferably four wheels, these beinglocated to the body so as to be retractable above the waterline.

In a more particular aspect the invention provides the amphibiousvehicle with an apparatus and method having drive connections fordriveably and pivotally connecting a drive output to at least one wheelwhile allowing the wheel to follow a retracting process from aprotracted position (wherein the wheel has an axis of rotationsubstantially horizontal and is able to provide land support to thevehicle), to a retracted position (wherein the wheel has the axis at anangle greater than 45 degrees to the horizontal and is elevatedsubstantially above the waterline of the vehicle when afloat).

The invention further provides a location system for locating the wheelrelative to the body of the vehicle, and for providing a geometricarrangement whereby the wheel may follow the retracting process whileremaining connected to the drive connections.

The invention further provides vehicular steering to at least a frontwheel by means of steering connections which may remain connected to thewheel throughout the retracting process, and which are so arranged thatsteering motion of the wheel will be cancelled when the wheel is in theretracted position.

The invention further provides suitable compartments (integral with thebody) which, firstly: enclose the apparatus, secondly: support theapparatus, thirdly: largely enclose the wheel in the retracted positionand, fourthly: provide sealing to prevent water passing inboard thevehicle.

The invention further provides a device for actuating the retractingprocess, this device also providing suspensional support for the vehicleon land.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively a side elevation, a plan view, anda rear elevation of one embodiment of the invention being the amphibiousvehicle in a broad aspect.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention beingthe wheel-retraction apparatus in the protracted position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention beingthe apparatus of FIG. 2 with modifications for steering.

FIG. 4 is an end-elevational diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 2 shown inboth the protracted position, and the retracted position.

FIG. 5 is an end-elevational diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 3 shown inboth the protracted position and the retracted position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings: FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C show three views of anamphibious vehicle (generally indicated by arrow 1) comprising a body 2being a buoyant vessel, having wheels 3 (indicated by 3P for theprotracted position, and 3R for the retracted position). As shown, thispreferred embodiment has four wheels; however, other configurations,such as three wheels, or multiple wheels, are possible.

The vehicle includes a motor 4 or similar power-source to provide powerthrough transmission 5 to differentials 6A (front) and 6B (rear), eachhaving drive-outputs 7, as shown. The motor 4 also provides powerthrough a gearbox 8 to a marine propulsion unit 9. Various combinationsof motors, transmissions and propulsion units can be assembled however,without change to the principle of the invention. The essentialfunctions of this apparatus would be suited to numerous configurationsof land-water amphibious vehicles. A wheel-retraction apparatusaccording to the present invention, is generally indicated by arrow 42for steerable wheels and 43 for non-steerable wheels.

In this preferred embodiment, FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C further show thedrive-outputs 7 connected to the drive-axles 10, these being connectedto the wheels 3P and 3R respectively, which are located to the body 2(at front and rear) by upper suspension linkages 11, and lowersuspension linkages 12. These axles and linkages operate in an uppercompartment 13 and a lower compartment 14 for each of the wheels. Fromthe three views of FIG. 1 it will be understood that each wheel mayprocess from a lower (protracted) land-support position 3P to an upper(retracted) water-borne position 3R, wherein each wheel is largelyenclosed within its respective compartment 13.

FIG. 2 shows, in perspective, an example of the apparatus 43 as arrangedfor a non-steerable wheel. The drive-output 7 from the differential 6,contains a driveable and pivotable inboard axle-joint 17 (being aconstant-velocity joint in this example) connected to the proximate endof the drive-axle 10.

The distal end of the drive-axle 10 is connected to a proximate end of aspindle 15 by a driveable and pivotable outboard axle-joint 18 (similarto the inboard axle joint 17); the spindle 15 is borne rotatably onbearings housed within a lower end of a wheel-support member 16, and thewheel 3 (not shown in FIG. 2) is mounted conventionally on a distal endof the spindle 15.

By these drive connections a pivotable drive-line is formed from thedrive-output 7 to the wheel 3 whereby the wheel 3 may follow theretracting process as determined by the drive-axle 10 articulating aboutthe inboard axle-joint 17, and the spindle 15 articulating about theoutboard axle joint 18.

The wheel 3 is thus rotatably mounted on the wheel-support member 16. Anupper suspension linkage 11 is connected to the wheel-support member 16at the upper output pivot 20, and is connected to the body 2 at upperinboard pivots 22. A lower suspension linkage 22 is connected to thewheel support member 16 at a lower outboard pivot 21, and is connectedto the body 2 at lower inboard pivots 23. (In this example, the loweroutboard pivot 21 takes the form of a hinge which prevents the rotationof the wheel-support member 16 about a vertical axis, thus prohibitingsteerability). The location-system, such as suspension linkages 11 and12 respectively, locates the wheel-support member 16 to the body 2 whileallowing spring-movement for suspensional support when in the protractedposition. The location-system also provides a geometric arrangementwhereby the wheel-support member 16 may follow the retracting process,as described in FIG. 4.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 the location-system is shown as doublelinkages, each forming a triangle with the body 2, but alternativelinkages such as single or multiple members may be employed. Furtheralternative location-systems such as sliding members or reciprocatingshafts, or any other suitable location-system, may also be employed toprovide a similar geometric arrangement whereby the wheel-support member16 (and thus the wheel 3) may follow the retracting process asdetermined by the drive connections.

FIG. 2 also shows the compartments 13 and 14 (integral with the body 2),which provides support and enclosure for the wheel retraction apparatus43. The upper compartment 13 (having an open outboard end and a closedinboard end) provides support for the upper inboard pivots 22 andlargely encloses the wheel 3 in the retracted position. The lowercompartment 14 (having an open outboard end and a closed inboard end)encloses the lower suspension linkage 12 and the drive-axle 10, andsupports the lower inboard pivots 23. Both compartments 13 and 14, andbody 2, are depicted as if transparent in order to reveal the apparatus43.

A bulkhead 24, which forms the closed inboard end of the lowercompartment 14, has an opening, a portal 25, through which thedrive-axle 10 may pass. The compartment 14, having an open outboard end,will be flooded when the vehicle 1 is afloat, and accordingly a sealingdevice is provided at the portal 25 to prevent water passing inboard thebody 2.

FIG. 2 also shows one device for actuating the retracting process. Onelower inboard pivot 23 (being supported by the compartment 14) isconnected to a distal end of a torsion-bar 26 which may be of anyconvenient length. A proximate end of the torsion-bar 26 is connected toa lever 27 which is further connected to a power-device 28 (in this casea compressed-fluid cylinder) which applies torque to the torsion-bar 26when driven by liquid or gas pressure (or combinations thereof) from aninput-pipe 29. This arrangement both applies actuating motion to theapparatus 43, and provides suspensional support to the vehicle 1.(Suspensional support is here defined as vehicular suspension on wheelshaving normal automotive spring-movement).

Alternatively, torsional flexibility in the torsion-bar 26 may be partlyor wholly responsible for suspensional support.

Moreover, a power-device such as the power-device 28 may be connecteddirectly or indirectly to the any part of the location-system, wherebythe power-device 28 provides both actuating motion and suspensionalsupport.

FIG. 3 shows, in perspective, an example of the wheel retractionapparatus 42 arranged for a steerable wheel; again the body andcompartments are depicted as if transparent. It will be seen that themain components are similar to those of the non-steerable apparatus 43of FIG. 2, and that suspension and location will function in the sameway. Components having a similar function to those of the apparatus 43are thus denoted with the same numerals, and description is omitted.

Steering pivots to provide vehicular steering include: the upperoutboard pivot 20 being a multi-axis joint; and the lower outboard pivot21 being a multi-axis joint: These steering pivots define asubstantially vertical axis on which the wheel support member 16 mayturn, thereby providing conventional vehicular steering to the whole 3.In this example, vehicular steering is controlled by a steering-shaft30, this having a linear reciprocating motion as supplied by aconventional automotive steering rack and pinion 44 (shown in FIG. 1B).The steering-shaft 30 is connected to a steering-link 32 by a pivot 31;the steering-link 32 is connected to a steering-arm 34 by a pivot 33,while the steering arm 34 is fixed as a cantilever to the wheel-supportmember 16. These steering connections convert linear motion of thesteering-shaft 30 to turning motion of the wheel-support member 16,while permitting movement of the wheel-support member 16 forsuspensional support and the retracting process. Various arrangements ofsteering apparatus may be employed to provide steering motion, but inall cases the pivot 31, or equivalent, must be correctly positionedrelative to the apparatus 42 whereby the steering-link 32 may articulatein substantially the same relationship to the retracting process. Thisprocess is detailed in FIG. 5.

FIG. 3 also discloses a further device for actuating the retractingprocess. A torsion-bar 35 is connected to one upper inboard pivot 22 (asfor the torsion-bar 26 in FIG. 2); and a power-device 36, in this case amechanical reduction-gear, applies torque to the torsion-bar 35 whendriven by an input-shaft 37. This device for actuating, and that of FIG.2, can be applied to the upper or lower inboard pivots 22 or 23respectively, on either side of the apparatus 42 and 43 whereconvenient, whereby actuating motion and suspensional support areprovided. Alternative power-devices of any suitable type may also beused.

FIG. 4 discloses the geometric arrangement of the retracting process ofthe apparatus 43 (non-steerable) in end elevation. Component numbers aresuffixed P when the apparatus 43 is in the protracted position;component numbers are suffixed R when the apparatus 43 is in theretracted position.

In the course of the retracting process:

(a) the drive-axle 10P articulates to 10R about the inboard axle-joint17, whereby the outboard axle-joint 18P describes an arc to 18R,

(b) the lower suspension linkage 12P articulates to 12R about the lowerinboard pivot 23, whereby the lower outboard pivot 21P describes an arcto 21R;

(c) the upper suspension-linkage 11P articulates to 11R about the upperinboard pivot 22, whereby the upper outboard pivot 20P describes an arcto 20R;

(d) whereby the wheel-support member 16P is caused to articulate aboutthe inboard axle joint 17 and the outboard axle-joint 18P (18R) toarrive at the retracted position 16R, and the spindle 15P articulates to15R about the outboard axle-joint 18P (18R).

Now referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5: the wheel-support member 16P in theprotracted position provides a substantially horizontal centerline forthe spindle 15P and a lower position relative to the body 2 whereby thewheel 3P may rotate on a substantially horizontal axis and protrudebelow the body 2 to provide land-support for the vehicle 1. Thewheel-support member 16R in the retracted position provides a morevertically inclined centerline for the spindle 15R and a higher positionrelative to the body 2, whereby the wheel 3R is positioned substantiallyabove the waterline and largely enclosed by the compartment 13.

The angle of spindle 15R when retracted may vary from 45 degrees to thehorizontal (the minimum to achieve a useful height above the waterline)to a full 90 degrees or further if found suitable, this being limitedonly by the axle joints, which commonly allow over 45 degreesarticulation each. For this particular vehicle, an angle of 80 degreesfrom the horizontal has been found optimal.

FIG. 5 gives a more detailed elevational view of the apparatus 42, withparticular reference to the geometric arrangement of the steeringconnections during the retracting process. A profile of the wheel 3 isshown mounted on the spindle 15, while the drive-axle 10 and thesuspension linkages 11 and 12 have been deleted for clarity. Steeringcomponent numbers are suffixed D when steering is to the right, and Swhen steering is to the left.

With the apparatus 42 in the protracted position: reciprocating motionof the steering shaft 30 causes pivot 31 to reciprocate from 31S to 31Dand this motion is transmitted through the steering-link 32P and thesteering-arm 34P to the wheel-support member 16P.

In the course of the retracting process: the pivot 33P describes an arcto 33R, whereby the steering-link 32P articulates to 32R about the pivot31.

With the apparatus 42 in the retracted position: when the pivot 31reciprocates from 31S to 31D, the steering-link 32R is caused toarticulate about the pivot 33R. (A slight vertical displacement of thepivot 33R will be negligible in practice).

It will be seen that this arrangement permits the vehicular steering toremain connected while the wheels are retracted for the water-bornemode. The steering-shaft may also control the marine-propulsionsteering, which can be operative in the land-support mode withouteffect: it is therefore unnecessary to disable the steering for eithermode.

FIG. 5 also shows, in profile, a representation of the upper compartment13 which largely encloses the wheel 3R in the retracted position.

FIG. 5 also shows the lower compartment 14 having a closed inboard endformed by the bulkhead 24 which contains the portal 25, being an openingfor the drive-axle 10. In this example, a flanged housing 38 contains asealing-device 39, which prevents fluids from passing through the portal25 to the interior of the vehicle 1. In this case a rotary seal whichbears upon the outer surface of the drive output 7 is shown, but avariety of sealing-devices could be employed for this purpose.

FIG. 5 also shows the steering-shaft 30 enclosed by a cylindricalguide-housing 40 which is fixed in the bulkhead 24. A sealing-device 41exemplifies various means whereby fluid may be prevented from passingbetween the shaft 30 and the housing 40.

It is thought that the wheel retraction apparatus and method of thepresent invention and many of its attendant advantages will beunderstood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent thatvarious changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement ofthe parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the formhereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodimentthereof.

What we claim is:
 1. An apparatus for retracting an axle-driven wheelonboard an amphibious vehicle, said apparatus comprising:(a) drive meansfor driveably and pivotally connecting a drive-output to said wheelwhile allowing said wheel to follow a retracting process, from aprotracted position wherein said wheel has an axis of rotationsubstantially horizontal and said wheel is able to provide land-supportto said vehicle, to a retracted position wherein said wheel has saidaxis at an angle greater than 45 degrees to said horizontal and saidwheel is elevated substantially above the waterline of said vehicle whenafloat; and (b) location means for locating said wheel to the body ofsaid vehicle, said location means providing a geometric arrangementwhereby said wheel may follow said retracting process while remainingconnected to said drive-means.
 2. An apparatus for retracting anaxle-driven wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 1,wherein said drive means comprises:(a) a drive-axle, being driveably andpivotally connected at a proximate end thereof to said drive-output; and(b) a spindle, being driveably and pivotally connected at a proximateend thereof to a distal end of said drive-axle; and wherein said wheelis driveably attached to a distal end of said spindle, whereby saiddrive-means are able to rotate cooperatively and whereby said wheel mayfollow said retracting process.
 3. An apparatus for retracting anaxle-driven wheel on board an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 2,wherein said location means comprises;(a) a wheel-support member havingan upper end and a lower end, with said spindle and said wheel beingrotatably mounted at said lower end; (b) an upper suspension linkagebeing pivotally attached at a proximate end thereof to said vehiclebody, and pivotally attached at a distal end thereof to said upper endof said wheel-support member; and (c) a lower suspension linkage beingpivotally attached at a proximate end thereof to said vehicle body, andpivotally attached at a distal end thereof to said lower end of saidwheel-support member; wherein said upper suspension linkage and saidlower suspension linkage provide a geometric arrangement whereby saidwheel-support member may follow said retracting process while remainingconnected to said drive-means.
 4. An apparatus for retracting anaxle-driven wheel on board an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 3,further comprising vehicular steering means, comprising:(a) steeringconnections, including a steering shaft, a steering link and a steeringarm attached to said wheel-support member; and (b) steering pivots forpivotally mounting said wheel-support member, whereby said wheel-supportmember may be turned on a substantially vertical axis so as to providesaid vehicular steering when controlled by said steering connections;said steering connections being geometrically arranged so as to allowsaid retracting process while remaining connected to said wheel-supportmember; and said steering connections being geometrically arranged sothat said vehicular steering is substantially cancelled when said wheelis in said retracted position.
 5. An apparatus for retracting anaxle-driven wheel on board an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 4,further comprising means for enclosing and supporting said apparatus,comprising:(a) a lower compartment having a closed inboard end and anopen outboard end, said lower compartment being integral with saidvehicle body, and arranged so as to pivotally support said proximate endof said lower suspension linkage, and to partially enclose said lowersuspension linkage and said drive-axle; said lower compartment having aportal, being an opening by which said drive-axle may pass through saidclosed inboard end of said lower compartment, and sealing means, wherebyfluids may be prevented from passing through said portal; and (b) anupper compartment having a closed inboard end and an open outboard end,said upper compartment being integral with said vehicle body andarranged so as to pivotally support said proximate end of said uppersuspension linkage, and to partially enclose said wheel when said wheelis in said retracted position.
 6. An apparatus for retracting anaxle-driven wheel on board an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 5,further comprising means for actuating said retracting processcomprising:(a) a torsion-bar for applying actuating motion to saidlocation-means in order to actuate said retracting process, and whereinsaid torsion-bar also provides suspensional support to said vehicle; and(b) a power-means for applying torque to said torsion-bar in order toactuate said retracting process, whereby said power-means also providessuspensional support to said vehicle.
 7. A method of retracting anaxle-driven wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle comprising the stepsof:(a) driveably and pivotally connecting a drive-axle to said wheelwhile allowing said wheel to follow a retracting process, from aprotracted position wherein said wheel has an axis of rotationsubstantially horizontal and said wheel is able to provide land supportto said vehicle, to a retracted position wherein said wheel has saidaxis at an angle greater than 45 degrees to said horizontal and saidwheel is elevated substantially above the waterline of said vehicle whenafloat; and (b) locating said wheel to the body of said vehicle wherebysaid wheel may follow said retracting process while remaining connectedto said drive-axle.
 8. A method of retracting an axle-driven wheelonboard an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 7, wherein drivingsaid wheel includes the step of:driveably and pivotally connecting adrive-output through said drive-axle to said wheel whereby saiddrive-output, said drive-axle and said wheel may rotate co-operatively,and wherein said wheel may perform said retracting process.
 9. A methodof retracting an axle-driven wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle asrecited in claim 8, wherein locating said wheel retractably to saidvehicle body includes the steps of:(a) mounting said wheel rotatablyupon a wheel-support member; (b) providing location-means for pivotallylocating said wheel-support member to said vehicle body; and (c)geometrically arranging said location-means and said wheel-supportmember whereby said wheel may follow said retracting process whileremaining driveably connected to said drive-output.
 10. A method ofretracting an axle-driven wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle as recitedin claim 9, wherein turning of said wheel to provide vehicular steeringincludes the steps of:(a) mounting said wheel whereby said wheel maybeturned in such a way as to provide said vehicular steering; (b)arranging steering connections whereby said wheel may be controlled inorder to provide said vehicular steering, and wherein said wheel mayfollow said retracting process; and (c) arranging said steeringconnections whereby said vehicular steering will be substantiallycancelled when said wheel is in said retracted position.
 11. A method ofretracting an axle-driven wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle as recitedin claim 10, further comprising an enclosing and supporting procedureincluding the steps of:(a) partly enclosing said location-means and saiddrive-axle within a lower compartment wherein said location-means ispartly supported by said lower compartment; (b) providing drive-axlesealing means within said lower compartment whereby fluid may beprevented from entering the interior of said vehicle; and (c) partlysupporting said location-means by an upper compartment, and partiallyenclosing said wheel within said upper compartment when said wheel is insaid retracted position.
 12. A method of retracting an axle-driven wheelonbaord an amphibious vehicle as recited in claim 11, further comprisingan actuating procedure comprising the step of:applying a power-means tosaid location-means whereby said power-means may actuate said retractingprocess and whereby said power-means may also provide suspensionalsupport to said vehicle. .Iadd.
 13. An apparatus for retracting a wheelof an amphibious vehicle, comprising:a wheel support having an upper endand a lower end, the wheel support supporting the wheel of theamphibious vehicle; an upper suspension linkage attached at a distal endto the upper end of the wheel support and pivotally attached at aproximal end to the vehicle; a lower suspension linkage locatedgenerally below the upper suspension linkage and attached at a distalend to the lower end of the wheel support and pivotally attached at aproximal end to the vehicle, wherein the upper and lower suspensionlinkages are attached to the vehicle so that in a protracted position,an axis of the wheel is generally horizontally oriented and in aretracted position, the axis is oriented above horizontal so that thewheel is retracted substantially above a waterline of the vehicle,wherein the axis of the wheel sweeps an angle which is generallytransversely oriented with respect to the vehicle so that displacementof the wheel toward a retracted position causes the axis to move in thedirection of a vertical orientation. .Iaddend..Iadd.
 14. The apparatusof claim 13 wherein the wheel is connected to one of the group of:awheel drive apparatus connected to the wheel and arranged torotationally displace the wheel about the wheel axis, the driveapparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle and maintainingconnection with the wheel while displacing the wheel between theretracted and protracted positions; and a wheel steering apparatusconnected to the wheel and arranged to displace the wheel axis generallyhorizontally to cause the wheel to steer the vehicle, the wheel steeringapparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle and maintainingconnection with the wheel while displacing the wheel between theretracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.15. The apparatus ofclaim 14 further comprising an apparatus for displacing the wheelbetween the retracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.16. Theapparatus of claim 15 wherein the apparatus for displacing the wheelbetween the retracted and protracted positions further comprises: anactuating member for applying motion to effect displacement of the wheelbetween the retracted and protracted position; and a drive mechanism forapplying displacing force to the actuating member. .Iaddend..Iadd.17.The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising:a torsion-bar for applyingactuating motion to the wheel support in order to displace the wheelsupport; and power means for applying torque to the torsion-bar in orderto actuate the retracting process. .Iaddend..Iadd.18. The apparatus ofclaim 17 wherein the torsion-bar and power-means provide suspensionalsupport to the wheel. .Iaddend..Iadd.19. The apparatus of claim 14wherein in a retracted position, the axis is oriented at least 45degrees above horizontal. .Iaddend..Iadd.20. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the wheel further comprises a wheel drive apparatus connected tothe wheel and arranged to rotationally displace the wheel about thewheel axis, the drive apparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicleand maintaining connection with the wheel while displacing the wheelbetween the retracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. Theapparatus of claim 20 wherein the wheel drive apparatus furthercomprises:a drive-axle connected to the wheel at a distal end andpivotally connected to the vehicle at a proximal end; and a spindledrivably connected between the drive axle and the wheel so that thedrive-axle drives the wheel through the spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.22. Theapparatus of claim 13 further comprising a wheel steering apparatusconnected to the wheel and arranged to displace the wheel axis generallyhorizontally to cause the wheel to steer the vehicle, the wheel steeringapparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle and maintainingconnection with the wheel while displacing the wheel between theretracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.23. The apparatus ofclaim 22 wherein the wheel steering apparatus further comprises:asteering arm attached to the wheel support; a steering shaft displacedin response to a steering input; and a steering link interconnecting thesteering arm and steering shaft so that displacement of the steeringshaft causes corresponding displacement of the steering arm, therebysteerably displacing the wheel support, wherein the steering arm, shaft,and link are arranged so that when the wheel is in a protractedposition, displacement of the steering shaft causes correspondingdisplacement of the steering arm, thereby steerably displacing the wheelsupport, and when the wheel is in a retracted position, displacement ofthe steering shaft does not cause corresponding displacement of thesteering arm, thereby canceling the steering input. .Iaddend..Iadd.24.The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:a lower compartment havinga sealed inboard end and an open outboard end, said lower compartmentbeing integral with the vehicle body and arranged so as to pivotallysupport the proximal end of the lower suspension linkage and so as topartially enclose the lower suspension linkage and the drive-axle, thelower compartment having a sealed aperture through with the drive-axlemay pass through the closed inboard end while preventing fluids frompassing therethrough; and an upper compartment having a closed inboardend and an open outboard end, the upper compartment being integral withthe vehicle body and arranged so as to pivotally support the proximalend of the upper suspension linkage and to partially enclose the wheelwhen the wheel is in the retracted position. .Iaddend..Iadd.25. A methodof retracting a wheel onboard an amphibious vehicle comprising the stepsof:connecting a wheel support having an upper end and a lower end to thewheel of the amphibious vehicle; connecting an upper suspension linkageto the wheel support, the upper suspension linkage attached at a distalend to the upper end of the wheel support and pivotally attached at aproximal end to the vehicle; connecting a lower suspension linkagegenerally below the upper suspension linkage, the lower suspensionlinkage attached at a distal end to the lower end of the wheel supportand pivotally attached at a proximal end to the vehicle, connecting theupper and lower suspension linkages to the vehicle so that in aprotracted position, an axis of the wheel is generally horizontallyoriented and in a retracted position, the axis is oriented abovehorizontal so that the wheel is retracted substantially above awaterline of the vehicle, wherein the axis of the wheel sweeps an anglewhich is generally transversely oriented with respect to the vehicle sothat displacing the wheel toward a retracted position causes the axis tomove in the direction of a vertical orientation. .Iaddend..Iadd.26. Themethod of claim 25 further comprising connecting the wheel to thevehicle using one of the two following steps:connecting a wheel driveapparatus to the wheel, the wheel drive apparatus arranged torotationally displace the wheel about the wheel axis, the driveapparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle and maintainingconnection with the wheel while displacing the wheel between theretracted and protracted positions; and connecting a wheel steeringapparatus to the wheel, the wheel steering apparatus arranged todisplace the wheel axis generally horizontally to cause the wheel tosteer the vehicle, the wheel steering apparatus being pivotally attachedto the vehicle and maintaining connection with the wheel whiledisplacing the wheel between the retracted and protracted positions..Iaddend..Iadd.27. The method of claim 26 further comprising providing asystem for displacing the wheel between the retracted and protractedpositions. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. The method of claim 26 wherein the methodof displacing the wheel between the retracted and protracted positionsfurther comprises: providing an actuating member for applying motion toeffect displacement of the wheel between the retracted and protractedpositions; and providing a drive mechanism for applying displacing forceto the actuating member. .Iaddend..Iadd.29. The method of claim 26wherein in a retracted position, the axis is at least 45 degrees abovehorizontal. .Iaddend..Iadd.30. The method of claim 25 further comprisingconnecting a wheel drive apparatus to the wheel, the wheel driveapparatus arranged to rotationally displace the wheel about the wheelaxis, the drive apparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle andmaintaining connection with the wheel while displacing the wheel betweenthe retracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. The method ofclaim 25 further comprising connecting a wheel steering apparatus to thewheel, the wheel steering apparatus arranged to displace the wheel axisgenerally horizontally to cause the wheel to steer the vehicle, thewheel steering apparatus being pivotally attached to the vehicle andmaintaining connection with the wheel while displacing the wheel betweenthe retracted and protracted positions. .Iaddend.